Perth Footpath Encroachment Permits - City Bylaws
Perth, Western Australia requires approval before performing works that encroach on public footpaths or other thoroughfares. This guide explains the typical permit pathways, who enforces the rules, how penalties are applied, and the practical steps contractors, businesses and property owners must follow to lawfully carry out footpath works within the City of Perth.
Overview of Encroachment Permits
Encroachment permits cover activities such as temporary hoardings, scaffolding, utility and construction work, trading or placing fixed structures on the footpath. Permits aim to protect public safety, maintain pedestrian access and ensure statutory requirements are met before and during works. Applications are usually considered against local laws and any applicable conditions in the City of Perth permit instrument. For official permit criteria and application contacts see the City of Perth permit information page Footpath works and permits[1].
Penalties & Enforcement
The City of Perth enforces compliance with its local laws and permit conditions for works on footpaths and other public thoroughfares. Where the City identifies non-compliant works it may issue notices, require removal or rectification, and take enforcement action up to prosecution under the controlling local law or regulation.
- Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page for footpath encroachment offences; see the City’s local law pages for any listed penalties.[2]
- Escalation: the City may issue a compliance notice for first offences and escalate to further notices or prosecution for repeated or continuing breaches; specific escalation steps or monetary ranges are not specified on the cited permit guidance.
- Non-monetary sanctions: directions to remove encroachment, rectification orders, suspension of permit privileges, seizure of unauthorised structures, and court action are possible remedies under local law.
- Enforcer and complaints: the City of Perth’s compliance, building and infrastructure teams administer and enforce permits; contact details appear on official City pages noted above and on the City contact portal.[1]
- Appeals and review: specific appeal routes and statutory time limits are not specified on the cited permit guidance; check the relevant local law or the City’s development review contacts for objection and review processes.
Applications & Forms
Application names, form numbers, fees and submission methods vary by activity and are published by the City of Perth where available. The City’s permit page lists the types of works that require approval but does not publish a single universal form or fee table on that page; users should request the specific application pack from City officers.[1]
- Application form: not specified on the cited page; applicants are advised to contact the City to obtain the correct form and fee schedule.
- Fees: not specified on the cited permit guidance; confirm current fees with the City when you request the application.
- Submission: usually submitted to the City’s licences and permits team or via the City’s online applications portal where provided.
Practical Compliance Steps
- Identify whether your activity is an encroachment and requires a permit by consulting the City’s footpath works guidance.[1]
- Request the correct application form and fee schedule from the City of Perth licences and permits team.
- Prepare plans, public liability insurance details and a traffic/pedestrian management plan if required by the City.
- Submit the application and pay any fees, then keep the permit and comply with all permit conditions while works are ongoing.
- Report urgent safety issues on footpaths to the City immediately via the official contact channels.
Key Technical Points
- Permits protect pedestrian access and set conditions for safe conduct of works on public footpaths.
- Unpermitted encroachments may trigger removal orders and enforcement action by the City.
FAQ
- Do I always need a permit to work on a footpath?
- Most works that place structures, hoardings, scaffolding, or equipment on a footpath will require a permit from the City of Perth; check the City’s footpath works guidance for details.[1]
- How long does approval take?
- The City’s standard processing times are not specified on the cited permit guidance; contact the licences and permits team for current estimated timeframes.[1]
- What happens if I work without a permit?
- The City may issue compliance notices, require removal or rectification, and pursue penalties or court action as provided by local law; exact fines or penalty amounts are not specified on the cited permit guidance.[2]
How-To
- Confirm if your planned activity is an encroachment by reviewing the City of Perth footpath works information and guidance.[1]
- Contact the City licences and permits team to request the correct application form, fee schedule and any guidance on pedestrian management.
- Prepare and submit the application with required attachments, pay fees, and arrange public liability insurance as requested.
- Comply with all permit conditions on site; respond promptly to any City inspection or compliance notice.
- If served with a notice, follow review or appeal instructions on the notice and contact the City for formal review avenues.
Key Takeaways
- Always check with the City before starting works that affect footpaths to avoid enforcement action.
- Obtain the correct application and meet insurance and safety plan requirements to reduce delays.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Perth Contact Us
- City of Perth - Footpath works and permits
- City of Perth - Local laws and regulations